The Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) of the army carried out a massive operation against the sale of immature fish at Rwimi Market in Rwimi town council in a significant blow to Bunyangabu district fish dealers. The FPU, responsible for safeguarding and regulating fisheries and marine resources, confiscated and subsequently burnt close to 700kg of immature fish, defined as below 20 inches in length.
The operation, aimed at preventing illegal fishing activities and enforcing fishing regulations, left fish traders in distress. The traders voiced their grievances on Sunday at Rwimi Market, expressing frustration over the loss of their stock. Immature fish, acquired through loans, now puts these traders at risk of losing their property to banks.
Margret Kabbyanga, one of the affected fish traders, lamented the loss of 2 and a half bags of fish worth sh4.7 million, purchased through a commercial bank loan. Despite pleas for understanding and sensitization, the traders were unsuccessful in persuading the FPU to spare their fish.
Betty Mugisa, a mother of five, expressed her innocence, stating that they purchased the fish without realizing it was immature. The lack of knowledge about the recommended fish size for trade contributed to the traders’ unwitting involvement in the illicit activity.
The actions of the FPU drew criticism from both fish traders and local residents. They accused the FPU of not addressing the root cause of immature fishing at various landing sites, only to disrupt businesses without providing proper guidance to traders.
Elinest Mujobi suggested that the FPU should focus on confiscating immature fish at the landing sites rather than disrupting the market. Residents also accused FPU personnel along the highway of corruption, alleging that they receive bribes from transporters, allowing them to pass but later target traders in the market.
In response, Lt. Moris Tibamanya, in charge of the Kasese-Fort Portal highway for FPU, urged fish traders and residents to collaborate with authorities to combat illegal fishing. He emphasized the importance of revenue generated from the fishing industry for the country’s development. Tibamanya clarified that burning confiscated immature fish is in line with the law to discourage illegal trading.
George William Rwabuhesi, the fisheries officer of Bunyangabu, acknowledged the lack of official registration for fish traders, making sensitization on proper fishing practices challenging. The incident highlights the need for a coordinated effort between authorities and the community to address issues related to illegal fishing and the trade of immature fish
